Report: Tesla planning cheaper ‘Sub-Standard’ Model Y without battery, seats and screen

Here’s TopGear.com’s roving correspondent, Cory Spondent, with his mostly incorrect exclusives from the world of motoring

Tesla is planning an even cheaper version of its Model Y electric crossover called the ‘Sub-Standard’ that removes vital, basic functionality in a bid to cut costs, according to sources close to the project.

The Sub-Standard version will radically ship without a lithium-ion battery to achieve the carmaker’s long-held ambition of an affordable, entry-level electric car.

And it will also strip out other functionality to better compete with rivals on price.

“We’re going to deliver on our promises of an affordable electric car, so we’re introducing the Model Y Sub-Standard that comes with everything you need in an electric car except the electricity,” a source said.

“And if you don’t need a battery, we can remove the charging port, cabling, electric architecture and also loads of other bits too. By freeing up vital capacity, we’re able to slash the cost of our best-selling EV. You can buy electric drills without the battery, so why not a car?

“By removing all that unnecessary fluff, and the passenger seat and rear bench, and the central armrest, and sun visors and by welding the boot closed so you can’t use it, we’re able to offer the most competitively priced electric car in the world.

“We’ll also swap out the central touchscreen with an Etch-a-Sketch to mimic our long-established premium interface.”

When pushed on the fact that stripping out everything will leave only the shell of a Model Y, the source added: “But it’s a Tesla shell.”

Prices for the Model Y Sub-Standard will reportedly start from $38,990, making it $1,000 cheaper than the Model Y Standard.